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Douglas Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 98 Google reviews · Running trail in Rochester, Minnesota · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Douglas Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Paved, 12.5-mi. multi-use trail on an abandoned railbed through forests, pastures & fields.
What runners say about Douglas Trailhead
“Also even though they are premitive rest stops would be nice to have a sanitary station or something to clean your hands.”
“Easy to park with easy access to a beautiful trail!”
“The late August day would have been warm but for a nice breeze and lots of shade along this fairly level trail.”
This is hands down one of my favorite trail systems. Well maintained and friendly people. We saw a lot of wildlife and there are many spots to pull over and go down by the water.
Very good trail system. Though would be helpful to novice people if there were markers for, if nothing else miles. Also even though they are premitive rest stops would be nice to have a sanitary station or something to clean your hands.
I recently went to douglas trail. Actually todouglas county and then from trail head. Both are beautiful. Rochester has really amaxing places to be close to nature. Have to check my instagram post @gorabhavana to know more Bout my experience and pictures that I have taken.
Great place to get out ride your bike do some walking or rollerblade. Trail is always clear and it stretches farther than you can imagine. We like that it weaves in and out of different things and there's even a couple breweries within easy access of this trial.
Trail conditions & character
“Easy to park with easy access to a beautiful trail!”
“Lots of parking, 2 restrooms, picnic table, access to many other Rochester city trails along last half mile.”
“The late August day would have been warm but for a nice breeze and lots of shade along this fairly level trail.”
“The late August day would have been warm but for a nice breeze and lots of shade along this fairly level trail.”
“Bike ride on a wonderfully shaded PAVED trail, a dinner at Five West, and a house concert.”
Plan your run at Douglas Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Rochester
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Elton Hills Run Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 46 reviews
Essex Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 190 reviews
Archery range and playgrounds along paved and dirt trails.
Indian Heights Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 126 reviews
Urban hillside park with scenic trails, overlooks and native flora.
Cascade Lake Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 612 reviews
This recreational area offers a lakeside trail with spots for fishing, plus an open play field.